Natchez &8212; Casino developer Charles Cato said he hopes to close on the Ramada Inn property by the first of February.

Cato, who has plans to put a casino just south of the Mississippi River bridge, said his first step in renovating the Ramada would be to tear down the 100-room main building.

&8220;Things are going very well,&8221; Cato said Friday.

&8220;We&8217;ve been through the inspection period.&8221;

Cato said rebuilding the hotel&8217;s main structure could take about five months.

He will also be renovating the outbuildings, which he estimated could take 90 to 120 days.

Cato said he has not decided whether to keep the hotel open during the renovation phase but has several options on the table.

Natchez Tourism Director Walter Tipton said losing the hotel rooms &8212; and the tax revenue &8212; during the renovation phase will be difficult, but he looks forward to the result.

&8220;It will impact us, taking those rooms out of service,&8221; Tipton said. &8220;But in the long run it&8217;s a great thing.&8221;

Tipton said several hotels in Natchez have undergone renovations and upgrades, including the Eola, Isle of Capri and Days Inn.

Construction on the Emerald Star Casino development could also begin by Feb. 1, Cato said. If the weather remains good, the river will be low and conditions will be good at the site.

Cato said he hopes to have the casino development up and running by August, if not earlier.

&8220;I&8217;m satisfied with the timetable,&8221; he said. &8220;I&8217;m very, very happy to be coming to Natchez.&8221;

Cato&8217;s projects &8212; the casino, hotel and his earlier purchase of the Briars bed and breakfast &8212; represent a $70 million investment that could employ 400 people, he has said.